The Louisiana Marathon is so much more than a run, we are a culturally rich festival that celebrates both running and the unique, festive culture that defines our state.

Louisiana is well known for its festivals, where we celebrate the incredible food, music, and dancing that surrounds us. The Louisiana Marathon adds running to that mix for a truly unforgettable weekend. Come run a fast, flat, and fun race course, and then enjoy a true Louisiana Festival featuring local musicians,  cold beer, and some of the best southern cuisine around. 

The Louisiana Marathon was established in 2012 with a two-fold mission. The first was to encourage our community to embrace a more active lifestyle and help us become a healthier, fitter state. The second was to be a major racing event on the winter road racing calendar known as a unique running festival that celebrates passion for the sport of running, combined with Louisiana culture.

Each Rendezvous running festival is scheduled for Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend which takes place in Louisiana’s capitol city, Baton Rouge. As a multi-race format there’s a race for everyone: Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles), Louisiana Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), Louisiana Marathon 5K (3.1 miles) and a Blue Cross & Blue Shield Kids Marathon (1 mile).

Friends, family, and curious spectators line up along miles of picturesque roadways, filled with inspiring Louisiana sights and sounds to cheer on runners. The Louisiana Marathon course takes runners from downtown Baton Rouge through the University Lakes, the Louisiana State University campus, and through historic river town neighborhoods.

It’s so much more than a race. Come see what lagniappe is all about.

Schedule of Events

Event: Full Marathon

The Louisiana Marathon is a USAT&F Certified course and an official Boston Qualifier route. It boasts one of the highest BQ rates of all marathons since it features a fast, flat, runner-friendly path through the lakes, along the river, around downtown, on the university campus and in historic neighborhoods. Friends, family and enthusiastic spectators line up along the course in various spots to cheer on the runners, making for a spirited marathon. Runners must complete the marathon course in 6 hours. This is a 13:45/mile pace.

Event Date: Sunday January 14, 2024

Start Time: 7:00am CST

End Time: 1:00pm CST

Price: $170 $155.00 Race Fee + $10.30 SignUp Fee

Registration: Price increases to $170.00 after January 8, 2024 at 11:59pm CST

Event: Half Marathon

The half-marathon is the fastest growing road race distance and we’ve got a great half marathon event. The half marathon follows the same course as the full marathon, leaving downtown Baton Rouge and making its way around LSU’s scenic campus and University Lakes before splitting off from the Marathon and heading back to the downtown area for a scenic finish that runs towards the iconic state capital. Runners must complete the half marathon course in 4 hours. This is a 18:20/mile pace.

Event Date: Sunday January 14, 2024

Start Time: 7:00am CST

End Time: 11:00am CST

Price: $160 $145.00 Race Fee + $9.70 SignUp Fee

Registration: Price increases to $160.00 after January 8, 2024 at 11:59pm CST

Event: Louisiana Quarter Marathon

If you’re not quite ready for a half but looking for more than a 5K, then the Louisiana Quarter Marathon is perfect, it's a 10K with a little lagniappe. This Saturday race starts with the Louisiana Marathon 5K race, leaves the downtown area and runs through one of Baton Rouge’s oldest, most historic neighborhoods on oak tree lined roads. Runners must complete the course in 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is a 20:30/mile pace.

Event Date: Saturday January 13, 2024

Start Time: 8:00am CST

End Time: 10:15am CST

Price: $70 $65.00 Race Fee + $4.90 SignUp Fee

Registration: Price increases to $70.00 after January 8, 2024 at 11:59pm CST

Event: Louisiana Marathon 5K

From first timers to competitive runners, this race is a great option for everyone. As part of the Louisiana Marathon weekend of races, you can experience running in a unique setting featuring a flat, fast and fabulous course. Both the start and the finish are visually stunning as you begin and end the race under the shadow of our iconic state capital. Regardless of your age and experience level, the Louisiana Marathon 5K promises to be a memorable race you don’t want to miss. Runners must complete the course in 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is a 43:30/mile pace.

Event Date: Saturday January 13, 2024

Start Time: 8:00am CST

End Time: 10:15am CST

Price: $45 $40.00 Race Fee + $3.40 SignUp Fee

Registration: Price increases to $45.00 after January 8, 2024 at 11:59pm CST

Event: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Kids Marathon

Looking for an exciting way to get the whole family active? The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Kid’s Marathon’s mission is to instill running as a part of a healthy lifestyle in our kids at an early age, which is why we have a 1 mile kids race. Its the perfect distance to introduce kids to running. After the race, join us at the Kids Zone to celebrate their accomplishments and have even more fun! Runners must complete the course in 30 minutes.

Open to ages 2 - 12.

Event Date: Saturday January 13, 2024

Start Time: 10:15am CST

End Time: 10:45am CST

Price: $25.00 Race Fee + $2.50 SignUp Fee

Registration: Registration ends January 13, 2024 at 10:00am CST

Event: Birth Center of Baton Rouge Diaper Dash

Crawling babies will line up at the EXPO on Saturday and "Dash" 10 yards to the finish line in the Inaugural Louisiana Marathon Birth Center of Baton Rouge Diaper Dash!

Open to ages 2 and under.

Event Date: Saturday January 13, 2024

Start Time: 2:00pm CST

End Time: 2:30pm CST

Price: $10.00 Race Fee + $1.60 SignUp Fee

Registration: Registration ends January 13, 2024 at 2:00pm CST

Buy Tickets

?Date: January 13 - 14, 2024

Location: 660 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA US 70802

Click here for more information